Battery Materials and Components Postdoc

Los Alamos National Security LLC; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Paid childbirth and parental leave

401(k) with matching

Tuition assistance

Relocation assistance

Onsite gyms

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking postdoctoral candidates to perform research in synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration of nanostructured battery materials. Work includes advanced anodes, cathodes and solid-state electrolytes, with opportunities to learn nano- and micro-scale fabrication techniques.

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field completed in the last five years and a strong publication record, plus excellent English and teamwork skills to thrive in

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed.
• Strong publication record in battery materials or related areas.
• Experience in synthesis, characterization and device integration for electrochemical systems.
• Excellent English communication and independent research capability.

Responsibilities

• Perform fundamental and applied research in synthesis, characterization and device-level integration and testing of nanostructured materials for Na/Li batteries.
• Investigate anodes, cathodes and solid state electrolytes; explore nano- and micro-scale fabrication for electrochemical systems.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze data, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to a multi-disciplinary team in a national laboratory setting.
• Contribute toward potential permanent position through impactful research outputs.

Skills

Battery synthesis

Materials characterization

Thin film deposition

Electrochemical testing

Microfabrication

Battery knowledge Li/Na/Si

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry

Materials science

Chemical engineering

Mechanical engineering

Tools

SEM

TEM

XRD

XPS

BET

NMR

Raman

FTIR

XAS

XRF

Job description

What You Will Do

The Materials Synthesis and Integrated Devices Group (MPA-11) is seeking postdoctoral candidates to perform fundamental and applied research in synthesis, characterization, and device-level integration and testing of nanostructured materials and components for next-generation batteries based on sodium and lithium. Materials and systems of interest include advanced anodes (including Na or Li metal and Si), cathodes (including polyanionic cathodes and conversion cathodes), and solid state electrolytes. The position will provide opportunities to learn about nano and micro-scale synthesis and fabrication techniques for electrochemical systems, and could provide a fast track to a permanent position in the national laboratories.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Candidates must have a strong background in one or more of the following areas:

• Battery materials synthesis and characterization
• Microfabrication and thin film deposition related to batteries
• Cell design, fabrication, and testing relevant to batteries

Candidates must also have:

• Excellent publication record in the field of required expertise
• Very good command of spoken and written English; very good communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement new research ideas, and to design and perform advanced experiments
• Strong motivation and ability to work independently
• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team in a multi-disciplinary research environment

Education/Experience:

Ph.D. in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field completed within the last five years, or soon to be completed, is required.

Desired Qualifications:

Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired:

• Advanced anodes based on Li metal, Na metal, or Si
• Advanced cathodes based on polyanions including NASICON-structured cathodes, sulfur, metal fluorides, metal sulfides, or disordered rock salts
• Advanced solid state electrolyte materials
• Fabrication of battery electrodes and coin cell assembly
• Thin film deposition (ALD, CVD, sputtering, evaporation, etc.)
• Electrochemical device testing
• SEM, TEM, BET, XRD, XPS, XRF, NMR, Raman, FTIR, XAS and other materials characterization techniques
• Electronics and typical laboratory test instruments

Work Location:

The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China‑in‑including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau‑as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card") holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award‑winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

No Clearance

Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre‑employment background checks.

New-Employment Drug Test:

The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new‑employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre‑offer.

Internal Applicants:

Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail] or call (505)-664-6947.